I will be flying out from the UK in 10 days to begin a 4 month climbing trip in north america.

I need to buy new climbing shoes, a tent, and more. Also, as gear is so much cheaper in the states, and I'm not I could fit it all on the plane, I probably wont bring rope or draws either. I'd like to buy equipment in kentucky.

Are there any climbing shops in the area? Am I likely to find climbing partners OK if I only have shoes, harness, atc and some 'biners? I'll be arriving around the 10th April and looking for partners / buddies. I lead sport 5.10b comfortably.

Miguel's for gear and partners. I don't know if they have tents but they do have everything else. There is a Walmart near Slade that has tents, stove, everything camping.

You'll be much better off finding partners if you have a rope and draws. It probably won't be a problem at the Red but where else are you going?

Ropes and shoes aren't really cheaper in the US unless you get them discounted online. I've lived at Miguel's and I now live in London and prices aren't that different once you convert GBP to USD. 5.10 has just gotten more expensive in the UK for some reason, but a lot of shoe companies and most ropes that I see are reasonable in the UK. It's draws and trad gear that's expensive.

I am curious about this too. I want to ship some shoes to myself while I'm at the red, since america is the land of sweet sales. Would miguel's be cool with receiving a package for me? i'm assuming no since they sell climbing gear. How does delivering to a post office work in the states? what are my options here?

Where are you flying to? Miguel's has basic climbing gear-- you will be able to buy shoes, harness, quickdraws, etc. But they do not have tents, sleeping bags, pads, etc.

Lexington has a gear store that carries camping gear, and most big cities do too (e.i. if you are flying into NY, Chicago, etc.)

Finding partners at Miguel's is generally not a problem, I've done it, but it might be a slow going the first couple days, until you get to know people. You can also show up at a popular crag that has routes in your grade level, and ask people there to belay you. Most people won't say no. I've seen that happen in places like Roadside or Muir Valley. Of course, the biggest issue is going to be trusting the people who just wanked up to to belay you safely...

Re: ordering gear online to be shipped to Miguel's, you better ask the people at Miguel's directly, to make sure that they are O.K. with this sort of thing. (Go to redriverclimbing.com and PM "local", see what he says)

Where are you flying to? Miguel's has basic climbing gear-- you will be able to buy shoes, harness, quickdraws, etc. But they do not have tents, sleeping bags, pads, etc.

Lexington has a gear store that carries camping gear, and most big cities do too (e.i. if you are flying into NY, Chicago, etc.)

Finding partners at Miguel's is generally not a problem, I've done it, but it might be a slow going the first couple days, until you get to know people. You can also show up at a popular crag that has routes in your grade level, and ask people there to belay you. Most people won't say no. I've seen that happen in places like Roadside or Muir Valley. Of course, the biggest issue is going to be trusting the people who just wanked up to to belay you safely...

Re: ordering gear online to be shipped to Miguel's, you better ask the people at Miguel's directly, to make sure that they are O.K. with this sort of thing. (Go to redriverclimbing.com and PM "local", see what he says)

This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "You're the man, I'm the hand."

Where are you flying to? Miguel's has basic climbing gear-- you will be able to buy shoes, harness, quickdraws, etc. But they do not have tents, sleeping bags, pads, etc.

Lexington has a gear store that carries camping gear, and most big cities do too (e.i. if you are flying into NY, Chicago, etc.)

Finding partners at Miguel's is generally not a problem, I've done it, but it might be a slow going the first couple days, until you get to know people. You can also show up at a popular crag that has routes in your grade level, and ask people there to belay you. Most people won't say no. I've seen that happen in places like Roadside or Muir Valley. Of course, the biggest issue is going to be trusting the people who just wanked up to to belay you safely...

Re: ordering gear online to be shipped to Miguel's, you better ask the people at Miguel's directly, to make sure that they are O.K. with this sort of thing. (Go to redriverclimbing.com and PM "local", see what he says)

This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "You're the man, I'm the hand."

what about if you ship it using UPS and have UPS hold it at one of their UPS stores.

They dont normally do that. The UPS store is not controlled by UPS, they are independently owned and operated; they are not required to accept packages for hold. However UPS distribution centers can and will accept packages.